Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats

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August 14, 2025

The NFL matchup between the Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats on December 9, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, was a rollercoaster of emotions for football fans. Both teams entered the game with identical 5-8 records, desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bengals emerged victorious with a 27-20 scoreline, thanks to standout performances, clutch plays, and a critical special teams moment that flipped the game. This article dives deep into the player stats, key moments, and what made this game a must-watch for NFL enthusiasts. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good football story, this breakdown is easy to read and packed with insights. Let’s get into it!

Game Overview: A Battle of Grit and Glory

The Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats was a classic interconference clash, blending high-octane offense with hard-hitting defense. Played under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, the game drew a massive crowd of 92,587, the second-largest in Bengals history. The Bengals dominated in total yards (433 vs. 322) and time of possession (33:11 vs. 26:49), while the Cowboys leaned heavily on their rushing game to stay competitive. A blocked punt late in the game sealed Cincinnati’s victory, making this one of the most memorable games of the 2024 season.

Here’s a quick look at the team stats to set the stage:

Stat

Bengals

Cowboys

Total Yards

433 322

Passing Yards

359 166

Rushing Yards

74 156

First Downs

23 17

Turnovers

1 2

Time of Possession

33:11 26:49

Red Zone Efficiency

2/4 2/4

The Bengals’ passing game, led by Joe Burrow, was the difference-maker, while the Cowboys’ ground attack kept them in the fight. Let’s break down the standout player performances.

Quarterback Showdown: Joe Burrow Shines, Cooper Rush Battles

Joe Burrow (Bengals)

Joe Burrow was the star of the show, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Completing 33 of 44 passes for 369 yards, Burrow threw three touchdowns and one interception, earning a stellar 112.8 passer rating. His ability to stay calm under pressure and find open receivers was on full display, especially in the game’s final moments. Burrow’s 40-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase with 1:01 left sealed the win, capping off his fifth straight game with at least three touchdown passes and his fourth consecutive 300-yard performance.

  • Key Stat: 33/44, 369 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 112.8 rating

  • Highlight: The game-winning 40-yard TD pass to Chase in the fourth quarter.

Burrow’s connection with his receivers, particularly Chase, was unstoppable. He spread the ball around, targeting eight different players, and his quick decision-making neutralized the Cowboys’ aggressive blitzes.

Cooper Rush (Cowboys)

With Dak Prescott sidelined by a season-ending hamstring injury, Cooper Rush stepped up as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. Rush completed 16 of 31 passes for 183 yards, throwing two touchdowns and one interception for a 77.8 passer rating. He also added 5 yards on two rushing attempts. While Rush showed poise, especially on an 11-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb in the first quarter, he faced relentless pressure from the Bengals’ defensive line, getting sacked three times. A late interception by Malik Hooker hurt Dallas’ chances of mounting a comeback.

  • Key Stat: 16/31, 183 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 77.8 rating

  • Highlight: An 11-yard TD pass to Lamb to open the scoring.

Rush did his best to keep the Cowboys competitive, but the lack of protection and limited offensive weapons made it a tough night against Cincinnati’s defense.

Offensive Standouts: Wide Receivers and Running Backs Steal the Show

Wide Receivers

Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)

Ja’Marr Chase was nothing short of spectacular, re-establishing himself as the NFL’s receiving yards leader. He hauled in 14 receptions on 18 targets for 177 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 40-yard score. Chase’s performance was historic: he became the first player in NFL history to record 80+ catches, 1,000+ receiving yards, and 7+ touchdowns in each of his first four seasons. His 14 catches tied for the second-most in a single game in Bengals history, and his 177 yards pushed him past 5,000 career receiving yards in just his 58th game.

  • Key Stat: 14 receptions, 177 yards, 2 TDs, 40-yard long

  • Highlight: A toe-tap touchdown in the first quarter and the game-clinching 40-yard score.

Chase’s ability to exploit Dallas’ secondary, particularly against Trevon Diggs, was a masterclass in route-running and athleticism. He credited Bengals coach Zac Taylor for moving him around to create favorable matchups.

CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)

CeeDee Lamb was the Cowboys’ top offensive weapon, catching 6 of 7 targets for 93 yards and one touchdown. His 43-yard reception was Dallas’ longest play of the night, and his 11-yard touchdown in the first quarter gave the Cowboys an early lead. Lamb’s 42 yards after the catch showcased his elusiveness, but he couldn’t overcome the Bengals’ tight coverage in the second half.

  • Key Stat: 6 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD, 43-yard long

  • Highlight: An 11-yard TD catch to open the scoring.

Lamb’s performance kept Dallas in the game, but the Cowboys needed more from their supporting cast to match Cincinnati’s firepower.

Running Backs

Chase Brown (Bengals)

Second-year running back Chase Brown had a breakout game, contributing both on the ground and through the air. He rushed 14 times for 58 yards and caught 6 passes for 65 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown reception that gave the Bengals a 14-10 lead in the second quarter. Brown’s 123 total yards from scrimmage pushed him past 1,000 for the season, a significant milestone for the young back. His versatility was key in keeping Dallas’ defense off balance.

  • Key Stat: 14 carries, 58 yards; 6 receptions, 65 yards, 1 TD

  • Highlight: A 19-yard TD catch that showcased his speed and vision.

Rico Dowdle (Cowboys)

Rico Dowdle led the Cowboys’ rushing attack, carrying the ball 18 times for an impressive 131 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. His 27-yard run was a highlight, setting up a scoring opportunity. Dowdle also added one reception for 10 yards. Despite his strong performance, the Cowboys’ inability to sustain drives in the second half limited his impact.

  • Key Stat: 18 carries, 131 yards; 1 reception, 10 yards

  • Highlight: A 27-yard run that sparked a Cowboys drive.

Defensive Leaders: Sacks, Interceptions, and Momentum Shifts

Bengals Defense

The Bengals’ defense stepped up with critical plays to stifle Dallas’ offense. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson was a force, recording a sack that brought his season total to a league-leading 12.5. Joseph Ossai added another sack, his third in as many games, while Geno Stone’s second-quarter interception at Cincinnati’s 12-yard line kept the game tied. Linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither led the team with 8 tackles (5 solo), and Germaine Pratt contributed 7 tackles and a tackle for loss. The Bengals’ pressure on Rush (3 sacks, 17 yards lost) disrupted Dallas’ rhythm and set the tone for the game.

  • Key Stat: 3 sacks, 1 interception, 10 penalties forced (77 yards)

  • Highlight: Stone’s interception and Hendrickson’s late sack.

Cowboys Defense

The Cowboys’ defense was led by linebacker Eric Kendricks, who racked up 12 tackles (8 solo). Donovan Wilson and Marist Liufau combined for 1.5 sacks, and Malik Hooker’s third-quarter interception of Burrow set up a field goal. However, Dallas struggled to contain Chase and Brown, and their 4 penalties (36 yards) were costly. Micah Parsons, typically a game-changer, was held without a sack or tackle, a rare off night for the star linebacker.

  • Key Stat: 2 sacks, 1 interception, 12 tackles by Kendricks

  • Highlight: Hooker’s interception in the third quarter.

Special Teams: The Game-Changing Moment

The turning point came with just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter. Former Bengals linebacker Nick Vigil blocked a punt by Cincinnati’s Ryan Rehkow, but a Cowboys player touched the loose ball, allowing Bengals rookie Maema Njongmeta to recover. This gave Cincinnati a fresh set of downs, leading to Burrow’s game-winning touchdown pass to Chase. Kickers Cade York (Bengals) and Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys) were perfect, each going 2/2 on field goals and nailing their extra points.

  • Bengals Kicking: Cade York, 2/2 FGs (37, 29 yards), 3/3 XPs

  • Cowboys Kicking: Brandon Aubrey, 2/2 FGs (35, 47 yards), 2/2 XPs

  • Highlight: Njongmeta’s recovery of the blocked punt.

Key Turning Points in the Game

  1. First Quarter TDs: Rush’s 11-yard pass to Lamb and Burrow’s 5-yard pass to Chase set the tone for a back-and-forth battle.

  2. Second Quarter Swing: After a Cowboys interception, Burrow answered with a 19-yard TD pass to Brown, giving Cincinnati a 14-10 lead.

  3. Third Quarter Tie: Rush’s 3-yard TD pass to Brandin Cooks tied the game at 17-17, but Hooker’s interception kept Dallas alive.

  4. Blocked Punt Recovery: Njongmeta’s recovery after Vigil’s blocked punt gave the Bengals the ball late, setting up Chase’s game-winner.

  5. Burrow-to-Chase Heroics: The 40-yard TD pass with 1:01 left was the dagger that secured Cincinnati’s victory.

Fantasy Football Takeaways

For fantasy football players, this game was a goldmine for points:

  • Must-Starts: Joe Burrow (30 FPTS), Ja’Marr Chase (44 FPTS), Chase Brown (23 FPTS), CeeDee Lamb (21 FPTS), Rico Dowdle (15 FPTS).

  • Sleeper Picks: Trey Hendrickson and Geno Stone for IDP leagues.

  • Disappointments: Ezekiel Elliott (1 FPTS) and Micah Parsons (0 FPTS) underperformed.

Coaching Strategies: Zac Taylor Outwits Mike McCarthy

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor’s game plan was a masterclass in offensive creativity. By moving Chase around and using a no-huddle offense in the second half, Taylor kept Dallas’ defense guessing. His aggressive play-calling, especially targeting Diggs in single coverage, maximized Burrow’s efficiency. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy leaned on play-action and screen passes to counter Cincinnati’s pass rush, but the lack of a consistent run game in critical moments forced Rush into tough spots. The Bengals’ ability to adjust to Dallas’ exotic blitzes was a key factor in their victory.

What This Game Means for Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats Both Teams

For the Bengals, this win was a lifeline for their playoff hopes. Burrow’s elite play and Chase’s dominance proved Cincinnati can compete with anyone when firing on all cylinders. The defense, led by Hendrickson and Stone, showed resilience, and Brown’s emergence as a dual-threat back adds depth. However, the Bengals need to clean up penalties (10 for 77 yards) to avoid costly mistakes in future games.

For the Cowboys, the loss was a gut punch. Without Prescott, their offense lacked the firepower to match Cincinnati’s passing attack. Dowdle’s strong rushing performance was a bright spot, but the defense’s inability to stop Chase and the special teams blunder were backbreakers. Dallas needs better offensive line play and secondary adjustments to stay in the playoff race.

Why This Game Was Special

This Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Match Player Stats was more than just a game—it was a showcase of individual brilliance, strategic battles, and clutch moments. From Burrow’s pinpoint passes to Chase’s record-breaking night, the game had everything a football fan could want. The special teams play that swung the momentum late in the fourth quarter will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2024 season. Whether you’re cheering for the Bengals, the Cowboys, or just love good football, this matchup delivered.

Conclusion: A Game for the Ages

The Bengals’ 27-20 victory over the Cowboys on December 9, 2024, was a testament to the NFL’s unpredictability and excitement. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase led the charge, while Rico Dowdle and CeeDee Lamb kept Dallas in the fight. Defensive stands, special teams heroics, and coaching decisions shaped the outcome, making this a game fans will talk about for years. For the latest Bengals vs Cowboys match player stats and more NFL insights, check out trusted sources like ESPN and CBSSports.com. Here’s to more epic showdowns in the NFL

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